Posted October 21, 2024

Hardy broadleaf evergreens can struggle in wintertime. The solution? Anti-desiccants, which are essential for protecting broadleaf evergreens from winter desiccation, or moisture loss. In wintertime, evergreens often lose moisture from their leaves due to drying winds or sunny days. Frozen ground means that plants are unable to replace the moisture they lose. This can lead to leaf damage or plant death. Antidesiccants can help retain moisture in the leaves or needles for up to four months in winter and two months in summer.

Regardless of whether they’re coniferous like pines and junipers or broadleaf evergreens like boxwoods and rhododendrons, Collins Tree Service strongly recommends this effective, economical, easy to apply protection.

Winter burn occurs when evergreens lose water from their leaves, which is vital for photosynthesis. Unlike deciduous trees that go dormant, evergreens continue to photosynthesize, but when the ground is frozen, they cannot absorb water. Instead, they recycle nutrient-rich transpired water from their leaves. In winter, wind can carry away these nourishing water droplets before they can be reabsorbed, leading to dehydration, or desiccation, causing brown patches.

Before anti-desiccants were used, burlap was used to wrap evergreens. Now, it’s only necessary for plants exposed to salty road spray or those still establishing. Anti-desiccants provide effective protection without requiring wrapping.

Anti-desiccants are a wax-like material that is sprayed on leaves or needles to trap water until it can be reabsorbed. Application is weather-dependent, requiring temperatures between 32ºF and 50ºF, and once springtime temperatures take hold, anti-desiccants just melt. Garden centers sell anti-desiccant sprays like Wilt Pruf, suitable for small DIY projects, but for large properties, professional application is more efficient. The team at Collins Tree Service uses backpack sprayers for tall trees. We also buy in bulk, which will save you the hassle of buying, storing, and disposing of chemicals.

Contact Collins Tree Service to schedule your anti-desiccant treatment today!